November 03, 2016
Fix Your Distracted Driving Before It's Too Late
Distracted driving is becoming more and more of a safety issue. Talking, texting, adjusting music and looking at map directions on phones are all causes of traffic accidents. According to distraction.gov, in 2014 3,179 people were killed and 431,000 people were injured in an accident involving distracted driving.
Teen Drivers
Younger drivers are more likely to be fidgeting with their phones, radio or get distracted by their passengers. Anything can happen in a second while you’re driving, the average person takes five seconds to look at a text, those seconds could be the difference between life and death. If you are already a great driver or a passenger, call out distracted drivers on their phone habits.
Adult Drivers
Adults can be just as bad as teens when it comes to distracted driving. Talking on the phone, reading emails and eating are bigger problems with adults. If you are a parent who tends to text or take calls while driving, make an effort to stop because your children will take it as a cue that distracted driving is okay.
State Laws on Distracted Driving
In Missouri, there is a law that bans texting while driving for novice drivers (21 and under.) In Kansas law, all cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for novice drivers (any age intermediate license or learner’s permit) and a ban on texting for drivers of all ages.
If you are a distracted driver consider the following advice:
- Create a preset playlist so you won’t be shuffling through songs.
- Turn your phone on silent, you can respond when you get to your destination.
- Put on make up at home, not in the rear-view mirror.
- Listen to GPS directions, don’t look at them.
Getting pulled over for distracted driving should be seen as a positive. You haven’t hurt anyone and you are being reprimanded without any legal action, that is the wake up call that you need.